From ancient times to the present people have enhanced the beauty of their yards and gardens with outdoor fountains. In places where water is scarce a fountain showcases water and displays its beauty. Where water is plentiful artistic structures that encourage water to cascade, flow or trickle create a celebration.
A large water feature can be a focal point of a city center, town square or plaza. Many ancient cities have famous fountains with legends attached to them about wishes being granted or dreams coming true. The dancing, flowing or cascading waters where tourists stand to have their pictures taken were once places where neighbors met to gossip, discuss politics and fill up their jars with water for cooking and bathing.
On a warm day moving water cooled the air and provided a pleasant place to rest and visit. It's no wonder that many city and village fountains are surrounded by places to eat and drink and sit outdoors. The pleasant splashing and burbling sounds of water provide an oasis of serenity as they insulate against the noises of surrounding activity.
Fountains are often used as monuments to famous people or important ideals. Water, whether it is lapping gently, flowing relentlessly or dancing skyward can help to convey powerful feelings. Water can unify the names of participants in a movement or it can convey an image of justice like a mighty stream.
In a large garden with many kinds of flowers, hedges and ornamental trees a fountain can be a focal point. If a garden is big enough to get lost in a fountain can be a landmark that give a visitor a sense of direction. It can also provide a pleasant place to sit and enjoy the surrounding beauty.
A water feature can make a small garden seem larger than it is. The right fountain can make a tiny yard or even a balcony into an oasis of peace. Meditating or just relaxing next to an artistic arrangement of water and stone, metal, glass or wood can energize the body and elevate the spirit.
Wildlife lovers will be happy to see that birds are drinking from the fountain or using it for a birdbath. The family dog might use it for a water bowl or take a swim if it offers a pool that's big enough. However there are many designs that are less likely to attract animals if animals are not part of the plan.
Outdoor fountains can be enjoyable for people of all ages if well planned. But even a shallow pool of water can be dangerous for small unsupervised children. However if children are part of the picture there are many types of fountains that can be built into walls or constructed without basins or pools that collect water.
A large water feature can be a focal point of a city center, town square or plaza. Many ancient cities have famous fountains with legends attached to them about wishes being granted or dreams coming true. The dancing, flowing or cascading waters where tourists stand to have their pictures taken were once places where neighbors met to gossip, discuss politics and fill up their jars with water for cooking and bathing.
On a warm day moving water cooled the air and provided a pleasant place to rest and visit. It's no wonder that many city and village fountains are surrounded by places to eat and drink and sit outdoors. The pleasant splashing and burbling sounds of water provide an oasis of serenity as they insulate against the noises of surrounding activity.
Fountains are often used as monuments to famous people or important ideals. Water, whether it is lapping gently, flowing relentlessly or dancing skyward can help to convey powerful feelings. Water can unify the names of participants in a movement or it can convey an image of justice like a mighty stream.
In a large garden with many kinds of flowers, hedges and ornamental trees a fountain can be a focal point. If a garden is big enough to get lost in a fountain can be a landmark that give a visitor a sense of direction. It can also provide a pleasant place to sit and enjoy the surrounding beauty.
A water feature can make a small garden seem larger than it is. The right fountain can make a tiny yard or even a balcony into an oasis of peace. Meditating or just relaxing next to an artistic arrangement of water and stone, metal, glass or wood can energize the body and elevate the spirit.
Wildlife lovers will be happy to see that birds are drinking from the fountain or using it for a birdbath. The family dog might use it for a water bowl or take a swim if it offers a pool that's big enough. However there are many designs that are less likely to attract animals if animals are not part of the plan.
Outdoor fountains can be enjoyable for people of all ages if well planned. But even a shallow pool of water can be dangerous for small unsupervised children. However if children are part of the picture there are many types of fountains that can be built into walls or constructed without basins or pools that collect water.
